The familiar, thunderous rhythm of metal striking metal reverberated across the sprawling back hills of Nuoding Academy, a sound that mingled with the gentle rustle of leaves swaying in the spring breeze. Beneath the radiance of the midday sun, Tang Yan stood shirtless, the muscles of his torso glistening with a light sheen of sweat. Beside him rested his trident, its intricate design a testament to their rigorous training. His upgraded training armor, now infused with a moderate gravity pressure, clung to him like a second skin. Each breath he took felt heavy, laden with physical exertion; every motion was imbued with deliberate calculation and focus.
Nearby, his younger brother Tang San was engrossed in an intense practice session with his spear, expertly flicking it through a series of increasingly intricate footwork patterns, all while navigating the added resistance of the weighted training gear. Together, their movements had grown sharper and their flow more cohesive. The physical burden no longer hindered them; instead, it had transformed into a sculptor's tool, shaping their strength and agility.
Suddenly, the sounds of their training ceased, and both brothers froze mid-motion. A shadow loomed ahead, casting a cool darkness over them.
A voice broke the silence, rough yet commanding, resonating with pride. "You've both improved," it proclaimed, sending a ripple of excitement through the air.
Tang Hao had returned, his presence as formidable as ever.
**1. Father's Gaze, Master's Calm**
The training field emptied as Tang Hao strode forward, his coat hanging loosely around him, almost billowing like a flag, while his massive hammer rested effortlessly across his back, seemingly weightless. "Still pretending to be at level twenty?" he asked casually, the corners of his mouth lifting in a teasing grin.
Tang Yan laughed, a bright spark of camaraderie igniting between the brothers. "We're honest students, after all."
Tianmeng Bug piped up with a mischievous tone: "Host's honesty meter just broke itself. Again."
System: "Stat correction: Lying With Confidence +20."
Tang Hao shifted his gaze to Yu Xiaogang, who stood observing with a knowing nod and a subtle smile. "They're ready for the next phase," he declared with an air of authority.
Tang Hao's grin widened, a hint of pride shining through. "Good. Let's see how far you've come."
**2. Chaos Clock Hammer – Beyond the First Beat**
With purpose, Tang Hao unfurled a new, weathered scroll—a faded piece of parchment adorned with the intricate seal of the legendary Clear Sky Clan. The contents detailed the intermediate level of the Chaos Clock Hammer Technique, a legacy passed down through generations.
"You've reached between 45 and 48 strikes," he explained, a glint of intensity in his eyes. "From now on, the challenge isn't merely repetition. It's harmonization."
He gestured at the scroll, emphasizing the importance of coordinating their power. "Soul power flow. Physical strength. Mental stability. Every swing must be layered with control. The goal is to reach 63 resonance strikes, where each sequence creates an overlapping wave of momentum that amplifies the hammer's weight through the rhythm of your souls."
Tang Yan and Tang San exchanged determined glances, a silent conversation passing between them.
"Let's start," they echoed in unison.
**3. Training Begins Anew**
The first day of mastering the advanced technique was grueling. Each strike landed with bone-jarring force, sending echoes of reverberation through their arms and shoulders. The 3.0 armor encased them like an additional burden, and the technique's demand for synchronization of their soul, body, and mind nearly doubled the weight they bore.
Tang Yan's strikes were powerful, each swing brimming with raw energy, but he struggled to regulate the ferocity of his blows. Conversely, Tang San's strikes were expertly precise, darting through the air like a whisper, yet at times, they lacked the required momentum to resonate fully.
Nevertheless, neither brother faltered. They embraced the pain and continued to push through.
After just three days, they had managed to reach 51 strikes, prompting Tang Hao to nod approvingly for the first time.
"Don't rely on power alone," he advised Tang Yan with a stern look. "You can bend the void with brute force, but you must learn to master your pulse."
Then he turned to Tang San, his tone softening. "Don't overthink it. Let your instincts guide the rhythm."
Their father had returned to them not merely as a protector, but as a guiding mentor, imparting invaluable wisdom.
**4. Watching from Afar**
At the edge of the forest, a small group of adults stood in quiet observation, their expressions a mix of concern and hope.
Gu Yuena, arms folded tightly, surveyed the scene with her golden eyes narrowed slightly. "Their father is finally taking responsibility," she noted, a hint of surprise lining her voice.
Ah Yin's gaze softened as she watched the brothers train. "They needed this stage, not from us, but from him," she replied, warmth in her tone.
Bi Ji sighed, a flicker of empathy crossing her features. "Still, I'd much prefer to feed them soup than see them limping through their sessions," she lamented.
System: "Tough love: Now available in hammer format."
Tianmeng Bug quipped: "When's the next vacation arc?"
**5. Bonds Beyond Blood**
As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and red, Tang Hao settled beside a crackling fire, methodically polishing his ancient hammer, the fireside illumination casting flickering shadows across his rugged features.
Tang Yan approached, a casual grin dancing on his lips. "I still think you went easy on us," he ventured, sparking a playful challenge.
Without lifting his gaze, Tang Hao replied, "Then you're more arrogant than I ever imagined."
From a nearby log, Tang San chuckled at the banter, the warmth of brotherly affection swelling around the fire.
Lowering his voice, Tang Yan offered a more sincere acknowledgment. "Still… thanks, old man," he said, the gratitude evident in his tone.
Tang Hao paused, the firelight flickering across his reflective eyes, hinting at the layers of wisdom and experience he carried with him.
"You're both stronger than I ever was at your age. But remember, strength without purpose leads to ruin," he imparted, turning towards them with a serious gaze.
"Promise me… whatever path you choose, walk it together."
Both brothers nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of their father's words. They already knew in their hearts—they would never have to walk alone.The familiar, thunderous rhythm of metal striking metal echoed across the back hills of Nuoding Academy.
Tang Yan stood shirtless beneath the spring sun, trident resting beside him, his upgraded training armor now charged with moderate gravity pressure. Each breath came heavy. Each motion, calculated. Nearby, Tang San practiced with his spear, flicking it through increasingly complex footwork patterns under the same weighted resistance.
Their steps were sharper. Their flow, cleaner. The burden on their bodies no longer slowed them—it shaped them.
Then the sound stopped. Both brothers froze.
A shadow approached.
And then, a voice—rough, commanding, but tinged with pride.
"You've both improved."
Tang Hao had returned.
1. Father's Gaze, Master's Calm
The training field cleared as Tang Hao walked forward. His coat hung loose, his hammer slung over his back as if it weighed nothing.
"Still pretending to be at level twenty?" he asked casually.
Tang Yan laughed. "We're honest students."
Tianmeng Bug:"Host's honesty meter just broke itself. Again."
System:"Stat correction: Lying With Confidence +20."
Tang Hao looked to Yu Xiaogang, who merely nodded with a faint smile. "They're ready for the next phase."
Tang Hao's grin was faint. "Good. Let's see how far you've come."
2. Chaos Clock Hammer – Beyond the First Beat
Tang Hao brought out a new scroll. A faded parchment bearing the seal of the Clear Sky Clan. The content detailed the intermediate level of the Chaos Clock Hammer Technique.
"You've reached 45 to 48 strikes. From now on, the challenge isn't just repetition. It's harmonization."
He pointed at the scroll. "Soul power flow. Physical strength. Mental stability. Every swing must be layered with control."
The goal: Reach 63-resonance strikes, where every sequence creates an overlapping momentum wave that multiplies the hammer's weight through soul rhythm.
Tang Yan and Tang San exchanged determined glances.
"Let's start."
3. Training Begins Anew
Day one of the advanced technique was brutal.
Every tenth strike brought back-echo shock through the arms. The 3.0 armor added resistance, and with the new technique's demand for soul-physical-mental unity, the burden nearly doubled.
Tang Yan's strikes were powerful, but hard to regulate.
Tang San's were precise, but occasionally lacked momentum.
But they didn't stop.
By the third day, they had both hit 51-strikes, and Tang Hao finally nodded with approval.
"Don't rely on power alone," he told Tang Yan. "You can bend the void, but you need to master your pulse."
"Don't overthink," he told Tang San. "Let your instincts guide the rhythm."
Their father had returned not just as a protector—but as a mentor.
4. Watching from Afar
Behind the forest edge, the adults stood in silent observation.
Gu Yuena folded her arms, golden eyes narrowed. "Their father is finally taking responsibility."
Ah Yin's gaze softened. "They needed this stage. Not from us—but from him."
Bi Ji sighed. "Still, I'd rather feed them soup than see them limp."
System:"Tough love: Now available in hammer format."
Tianmeng Bug:"When's the next vacation arc?"
5. Bonds Beyond Blood
One evening, after training ended, Tang Hao sat beside the fire, polishing his old hammer.
Tang Yan approached him with a casual grin. "I still think you went easy on us."
Tang Hao didn't look up. "Then you're more arrogant than I thought."
Tang San chuckled nearby.
Tang Yan lowered his voice. "Still… thanks, old man."
Tang Hao paused. The firelight flickered across his eyes.
"You're both stronger than I ever was at your age. But strength without purpose leads to ruin."
He turned.
"Promise me… whatever path you choose, walk it together."
Both brothers nodded.
They already knew—they'd never walk alone.
End of Chapter 73